Hilary Onek
Encyclopedia
Hilary Obaloker Onek is a Uganda
n engineer
and politician
. His first name is spelled with a single "l". He is the cureent Minister of Internal Affairs in the Ugandan Cabinet
. He was appointed to that position on 27 May 2011. He replaced Kirunda Kivejinja, who was dropped from the Cabinet. Prior to that, Hilary Onek served as the Minister for Energy & Minerals
, from February 16, 2009 until May 27, 2011. Before that, he served as Uganda's Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry & Fisheries from 2006 to 2009. He is also the elected Member of Parliament (MP) representing Lamwo County, Lamwo District
. He was first elected to Parliament in 2001.
Mze Samson Okewllo Otto was serving in the King's African Riffles (KAR) in Kenya
during 1946 when he married Mama Ayoo. He left the Army in 1954 and joined the Public Works Department (PWD) at Entebbe
and later worked in different parts of Uganda, including Mubende
, Hoima
, Soroti
and Moroto
. Mze Otto moved with his family wherever duty took him.
, Karamoja
. He attended St. Mary's College Kisubi
for both his ”O” & “A” Level education, from 1965 until 1970. From 1971 until 1974, Onek attended Makerere University
, Uganda
's oldest university, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Science
(BSc) in Civil Engineering
. He proceeded to the People’s Friendship University in Moscow
, Russia
, where he studied from 1974 until 1979, graduating with the Masters of Science (MSc) in Engineering
, majoring in Water Resources & Hydro-technical Structural Engineering. Following his MSc studies, he completed a one-year fellowship at the Moscow Institute of Civil Engineering in Hydropower Dams & Hydro-technical Structures, from 1979 until 1980.
Hilary Onek also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Investment Appraisal and Management, from Harvard University
, in Boston
, Massachusetts
, USA, obtained in 1994. In 1997, he obtained another Postgraduate Certificate in Public-Private Partnership in Utility Management, from the Institute For Public-Private Partnerships, in Washington, DC. Between 1998 and 2000, he attended Makerere University
, graduating with the degree of Masters of Business Administration, (MBA).
(former USSR), from May until August 1977. Between May and August 1978, he worked as an Assistant (pupil) Site Engineer, 280m Inguri Hydropower Concrete Arc-Dam Construction, in the Republic of Georgia in the former Soviet Union
.
During the time he spent at the Moscow Institute of Civil Engineering Hydro-technical Engineering Laboratory, he was involved in the design and research regarding several International projects:
In 1980 Hilary returned to Uganda and became a Lecturer
at Makerere University
in the Department of Technology, teaching Water Resources Engineering and Hydro-technical Structural Engineering. He supervised students’ course works, carried our research on the River Nile and other Uganda
n rivers. His findings were presented at Energy Workshops sponsored by the National Research Council and other industry groups. He remained at Makerere, in that Capacity until 1983.
In 1982, he was appointed Chief Engineer
at National Water and Sewerage Corporation
, a parastatal water and sewerage utility. His work at NWSC involved the design of reservoirs, booster stations, water transmission mains, upgrading and expanding water treatment and pumping systems for Kampala
and other towns in Uganda. In appreciation of his efforts, the authorities promoted him to Managing Director of NWSC in 1983.
During his tenure at the helm of NWSC, water and sewerage services, which were limited to Kampala
, Jinja
and Entebbe
, were expanded to cover other towns including Mbale
, Tororo
, Masaka
, Mbarara
, Kasese
, Fort Portal
, Gulu
, and Lira
. He developed a corporate plan to cover medium and long term development programs, with a view to make NWSC a leading water utility company in the region. From 1984 until 1998, he instituted a manpower development program and a training program, to sustainably improve the quality of management in the organisation. He oversaw the computerization of internal management information system
(MIS) and digitized geographical information system (GIS), easing management of customer’s data and human resources. He introduced Public-Private Partnership in NWSC by privatizing revenue collection and Management (1997-8). During his tenure, revenue collection at the water utility doubled. This management model has now been adopted as "standard practice" at the Ministry of Water Resources. In 1987, Hilary was personally involved in the redesign and rebuilding of Manafwa Water Works, the works exploded under water hummer and collapsed after commissioning, following shoddy construction by an outside contractor. He served as Managing Director of NWSC until 1998.
Between 1998 and 2001, he worked as an independent, private consultant
at a company called EOM Services Limited, offering services with other consultancy groups, in the areas of Human Resources Management, Investment Appraisals and Management
, Water Supply
and Structural Engineering
.
(NRM). He actively campaigned in the Acholi sub-region, for Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, between January and March 2001. He contested for the parliamentary seat of Lamwo Constituency and was declared the winner in June 2001. He was re-elected to the same seat in February 2006, again on the NRM platform. He was appointed Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries in June 2006, serving in that capacity until February 2009.
As Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, he advocated for responsible utilization of the water resources in East Africa
. On 16 February 2009 Hilary Onek was appointed Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, a position he worked in until May 2011. In the cabinet reshuffle on 27 May 2011, he was re-assigned to the Internal Affairs Ministry as a full Minister.
and of Gulu Bomah Hotel in Gulu
. The Kitgum hotel is the fourth (4th) hotel in Northern Uganda
to have a swimming pool
, after (a) Paraa Lodge (b) Chobe Lodge, both in Murchison Falls National Park
and Acholi Inn in Gulu. The Gulu property is the first hotel in the region to contain an elevator
.
At Saint Mary's College Kisubi - (1965–1970)
At Makerere University - (1971–1974)
At Moscow University - (1974–1979)
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
n engineer
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
and politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
. His first name is spelled with a single "l". He is the cureent Minister of Internal Affairs in the Ugandan Cabinet
Cabinet of Uganda
According to the Constitution of Uganda, "there shall be a Cabinet which shall consist of the President, the Vice President and such number of Ministers as may appear to the President to be reasonably necessary for the efficient running of the State."...
. He was appointed to that position on 27 May 2011. He replaced Kirunda Kivejinja, who was dropped from the Cabinet. Prior to that, Hilary Onek served as the Minister for Energy & Minerals
Energy
In physics, energy is an indirectly observed quantity. It is often understood as the ability a physical system has to do work on other physical systems...
, from February 16, 2009 until May 27, 2011. Before that, he served as Uganda's Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry & Fisheries from 2006 to 2009. He is also the elected Member of Parliament (MP) representing Lamwo County, Lamwo District
Lamwo District
Lamwo District is a district in Northern Uganda. Like most other Ugandan districts, it is named after its 'chief town', Lamwo, where the district headquarters are located.-Location:...
. He was first elected to Parliament in 2001.
History
Onek Hilary was born on 5 May 1948, the second born to Samson Okello Otto (RIP), son of Rwot Damwoy (RIP) of Pakala Clan in Palabek Gem and Mrs. Jera Ayoo, daughter of Rwot Onyanga (RIP), the Paramount Chief of Palabek, one of the six chieftaincies of Lamwo County. The Pakala Clan are largely found in Gem, Lokung and a few in parts of Sudan along the border with Palabek and Lokung. In the olden days, the Rwodi or Royal Acholi families arranged marriages of their children.Mze Samson Okewllo Otto was serving in the King's African Riffles (KAR) in Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
during 1946 when he married Mama Ayoo. He left the Army in 1954 and joined the Public Works Department (PWD) at Entebbe
Entebbe
Entebbe is a major town in Central Uganda. Located on a Lake Victoria peninsula, the town was at one time, the seat of government for the Protectorate of Uganda, prior to Independence in 1962...
and later worked in different parts of Uganda, including Mubende
Mubende
Mubende is a town in Central Uganda. It is the main municipal, administrative and commercial center of Mubende District and is the location of the district headquarters. Mubende is the sister city of Tumwater, Washington, USA.-Location:...
, Hoima
Hoima
Hoima is a town in Western Uganda. It is main municipal, administrative and commercial center of Hoima District in Uganda. It is also the location of the palace of the Omukama of Bunyoro.-Location:...
, Soroti
Soroti
Soroti is the main municipal, commercial and administrative centre of Soroti District in Eastern Uganda, lying near Lake Kyoga. It is known for the rock formation near the town as well as a variety of Muslim mosques, Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras as well as several churches that meet in various...
and Moroto
Moroto
Moroto is a town in Northern Uganda, lying west of Mount Moroto. It is the 'chief town' of Moroto District and the district headquarters are located there. The district was named after the town.-Location:...
. Mze Otto moved with his family wherever duty took him.
Education
Hilary Onek attended his primary school on MorotoMoroto
Moroto is a town in Northern Uganda, lying west of Mount Moroto. It is the 'chief town' of Moroto District and the district headquarters are located there. The district was named after the town.-Location:...
, Karamoja
Karamoja
Karamoja sub-region, commonly known as Karamoja, is a region in Northern Uganda.-Location:The subregion, is located in northeastern Uganda and comprises the following seven districts:* Abim District* Amudat District* Kaabong District...
. He attended St. Mary's College Kisubi
St. Mary's College Kisubi
St. Mary's College Kisubi is a boys-only boarding middle and high school located in Wakiso District in Central Uganda.-Location:The school is situated on a campus at Kisubi, approximately , by road, south of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city...
for both his ”O” & “A” Level education, from 1965 until 1970. From 1971 until 1974, Onek attended Makerere University
Makerere University
Makerere University , Uganda's largest and second-oldest higher institution of learning, , was first established as a technical school in 1922. In 1963 it became the University of East Africa, offering courses leading to general degrees from the University of London...
, Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
's oldest university, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
(BSc) in Civil Engineering
Civil engineering
Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings...
. He proceeded to the People’s Friendship University in Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, where he studied from 1974 until 1979, graduating with the Masters of Science (MSc) in Engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
, majoring in Water Resources & Hydro-technical Structural Engineering. Following his MSc studies, he completed a one-year fellowship at the Moscow Institute of Civil Engineering in Hydropower Dams & Hydro-technical Structures, from 1979 until 1980.
Hilary Onek also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Investment Appraisal and Management, from Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
, in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
, USA, obtained in 1994. In 1997, he obtained another Postgraduate Certificate in Public-Private Partnership in Utility Management, from the Institute For Public-Private Partnerships, in Washington, DC. Between 1998 and 2000, he attended Makerere University
Makerere University
Makerere University , Uganda's largest and second-oldest higher institution of learning, , was first established as a technical school in 1922. In 1963 it became the University of East Africa, offering courses leading to general degrees from the University of London...
, graduating with the degree of Masters of Business Administration, (MBA).
Professional qualifications
His professional qualifications include the following:- Bachelor of ScienceBachelor of ScienceA Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
(BSc) in Civil EngineeringCivil engineeringCivil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings...
- Makerere UniversityMakerere UniversityMakerere University , Uganda's largest and second-oldest higher institution of learning, , was first established as a technical school in 1922. In 1963 it became the University of East Africa, offering courses leading to general degrees from the University of London...
- 1974 - Master of ScienceMaster of ScienceA Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
(MSc) in Civil EngineeringCivil engineeringCivil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings...
, majoring in Water Resources Engineering & Hydro-Technical Structures - Moscow University - 1979. - Master of Business AdministrationMaster of Business AdministrationThe Master of Business Administration is a :master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out...
(MBA) - Makerere UniversityMakerere UniversityMakerere University , Uganda's largest and second-oldest higher institution of learning, , was first established as a technical school in 1922. In 1963 it became the University of East Africa, offering courses leading to general degrees from the University of London...
- 2000 - Registered Chartered Engineer in Uganda - Has authority to sign technical documents, and give a legally binding technical opinion on Civil Engineering matters.
Work experience
Hilary started his engineering career while in graduate school. He worked as an Assistant (pupil) Site Engineer, Nurek 305m Hydropower Dam Construction, TajikistanTajikistan
Tajikistan , officially the Republic of Tajikistan , is a mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia. Afghanistan borders it to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and China to the east....
(former USSR), from May until August 1977. Between May and August 1978, he worked as an Assistant (pupil) Site Engineer, 280m Inguri Hydropower Concrete Arc-Dam Construction, in the Republic of Georgia in the former Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
.
During the time he spent at the Moscow Institute of Civil Engineering Hydro-technical Engineering Laboratory, he was involved in the design and research regarding several International projects:
- Participated in the design of Kabur 80m Hydropower Dam in SyriaSyriaSyria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
- Was a member of the design team for Cascades of 4 dams on Andes Ranges in PeruPeruPeru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
, South AmericaSouth AmericaSouth America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east... - Conducted experiments to determine physical characteristics and structural stability of soils of different textures used in dams under different load conditions – setting standards and engineering guides
- Presented over 10 papers at workshops on dam structures and their stability.
In 1980 Hilary returned to Uganda and became a Lecturer
Lecturer
Lecturer is an academic rank. In the United Kingdom, lecturer is a position at a university or similar institution, often held by academics in their early career stages, who lead research groups and supervise research students, as well as teach...
at Makerere University
Makerere University
Makerere University , Uganda's largest and second-oldest higher institution of learning, , was first established as a technical school in 1922. In 1963 it became the University of East Africa, offering courses leading to general degrees from the University of London...
in the Department of Technology, teaching Water Resources Engineering and Hydro-technical Structural Engineering. He supervised students’ course works, carried our research on the River Nile and other Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
n rivers. His findings were presented at Energy Workshops sponsored by the National Research Council and other industry groups. He remained at Makerere, in that Capacity until 1983.
In 1982, he was appointed Chief Engineer
Chief Engineer
In marine transportation, the chief engineer is a licensed mariner in charge of the engineering department on a merchant vessel. "Chief engineer" is the official title of someone qualified to oversee the entire engine department; the qualification is colloquially called a "chief's...
at National Water and Sewerage Corporation
National Water and Sewerage Corporation
National Water and Sewerage Corporation ' is a water supply and sanitation company in Uganda. It is 100% owned by the Government of Uganda.-History:...
, a parastatal water and sewerage utility. His work at NWSC involved the design of reservoirs, booster stations, water transmission mains, upgrading and expanding water treatment and pumping systems for Kampala
Kampala
Kampala is the largest city and capital of Uganda. The city is divided into five boroughs that oversee local planning: Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division and Lubaga Division. The city is coterminous with Kampala District.-History: of Buganda, had chosen...
and other towns in Uganda. In appreciation of his efforts, the authorities promoted him to Managing Director of NWSC in 1983.
During his tenure at the helm of NWSC, water and sewerage services, which were limited to Kampala
Kampala
Kampala is the largest city and capital of Uganda. The city is divided into five boroughs that oversee local planning: Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division and Lubaga Division. The city is coterminous with Kampala District.-History: of Buganda, had chosen...
, Jinja
Jinja, Uganda
Jinja is the largest town in Uganda, Africa. It is the second busiest commercial center in the country, after Kampala, Uganda's capital and only city. Jinja was established in 1907.-Location:...
and Entebbe
Entebbe
Entebbe is a major town in Central Uganda. Located on a Lake Victoria peninsula, the town was at one time, the seat of government for the Protectorate of Uganda, prior to Independence in 1962...
, were expanded to cover other towns including Mbale
Mbale
Mbale is a city in Eastern Uganda. It is the main municiplal, administrative and commercial center of Mbale District and the surrounding sub-region. The district is named after the town.-Location:...
, Tororo
Tororo
Tororo is a town in Eastern Uganda. It is the main municipal, administrative and commercial center of Tororo District. The district was named after the town.-Location:...
, Masaka
Masaka
Masaka is a town in Central Uganda, lying west of Lake Victoria. It is the chief town of Masaka District. Besides being the headquarters of Masaka District, the town is the regional headquarters and largest metropolitan area in Lyantonde District, Sembabule District, Lwengo District, Bukomansimbi...
, Mbarara
Mbarara
Mbarara is a town in Western Uganda. It is the main municipal, administrative and commercial center of Mbarara District and the location of the district headquarters. It is also the largest urban centre in Western Uganda.-Location:...
, Kasese
Kasese
Kasese is a town in Western Uganda, lying north of Lake George. It originally grew around the copper mine at Kilembe, while attention later turned to cobalt mining. It is the 'chief town' of Kasese District and the district headquarters are located there...
, Fort Portal
Fort Portal
Fort Portal is a town in Western Uganda. It is the seat of both Kabarole District and Toro Kingdom.-Location:Fort Portal is located approximately by road, west of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city, on an all-tarmac two-lane highway...
, Gulu
Gulu
Gulu is a city in Northern Uganda. It is the commercial and administrative centre of Gulu District. The city is located at 2˚46'48N 32˚18'00E, on the metre gauge railway from Tororo to Pakwach. Gulu is located approximately , by road, north of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city...
, and Lira
Lira, Uganda
Lira is a city in Northern Uganda. It is the main municipal, administrative and commercial centre of Lira District. Lira was the main metropolitan center of the now defunct Lango District ....
. He developed a corporate plan to cover medium and long term development programs, with a view to make NWSC a leading water utility company in the region. From 1984 until 1998, he instituted a manpower development program and a training program, to sustainably improve the quality of management in the organisation. He oversaw the computerization of internal management information system
Management information system
A management information system provides information needed to manage organizations efficiently and effectively. Management information systems involve three primary resources: people, technology, and information. Management information systems are distinct from other information systems in that...
(MIS) and digitized geographical information system (GIS), easing management of customer’s data and human resources. He introduced Public-Private Partnership in NWSC by privatizing revenue collection and Management (1997-8). During his tenure, revenue collection at the water utility doubled. This management model has now been adopted as "standard practice" at the Ministry of Water Resources. In 1987, Hilary was personally involved in the redesign and rebuilding of Manafwa Water Works, the works exploded under water hummer and collapsed after commissioning, following shoddy construction by an outside contractor. He served as Managing Director of NWSC until 1998.
Between 1998 and 2001, he worked as an independent, private consultant
Consultant
A consultant is a professional who provides professional or expert advice in a particular area such as management, accountancy, the environment, entertainment, technology, law , human resources, marketing, emergency management, food production, medicine, finance, life management, economics, public...
at a company called EOM Services Limited, offering services with other consultancy groups, in the areas of Human Resources Management, Investment Appraisals and Management
Investment
Investment has different meanings in finance and economics. Finance investment is putting money into something with the expectation of gain, that upon thorough analysis, has a high degree of security for the principal amount, as well as security of return, within an expected period of time...
, Water Supply
Water
Water is a chemical substance with the chemical formula H2O. A water molecule contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms connected by covalent bonds. Water is a liquid at ambient conditions, but it often co-exists on Earth with its solid state, ice, and gaseous state . Water also exists in a...
and Structural Engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
.
Political career
Hilary Onek joined active politics in 2000, with affiliation to the National Resistance MovementNational Resistance Movement
The National Resistance Movement , commonly referred to as the Movement, is a political organization in Uganda.Until a referendum in 2005, Uganda held elections on a non-party basis. The NRM dominates parliament, however, and is expected to continue to do so. The presidential elections of 12 March...
(NRM). He actively campaigned in the Acholi sub-region, for Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, between January and March 2001. He contested for the parliamentary seat of Lamwo Constituency and was declared the winner in June 2001. He was re-elected to the same seat in February 2006, again on the NRM platform. He was appointed Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries in June 2006, serving in that capacity until February 2009.
As Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, he advocated for responsible utilization of the water resources in East Africa
East Africa
East Africa or Eastern Africa is the easterly region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. In the UN scheme of geographic regions, 19 territories constitute Eastern Africa:...
. On 16 February 2009 Hilary Onek was appointed Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, a position he worked in until May 2011. In the cabinet reshuffle on 27 May 2011, he was re-assigned to the Internal Affairs Ministry as a full Minister.
Business enterprises
Hillary Onek is also a businessman. He is the proprietor of Kitgum Bomah Hotel in KitgumKitgum
Kitgum is a municipality in Kitgum District, in Northern Uganda. The town is administered by Kitgum Town Council, an Urban Local Government within Kitgum District Administration...
and of Gulu Bomah Hotel in Gulu
Gulu
Gulu is a city in Northern Uganda. It is the commercial and administrative centre of Gulu District. The city is located at 2˚46'48N 32˚18'00E, on the metre gauge railway from Tororo to Pakwach. Gulu is located approximately , by road, north of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city...
. The Kitgum hotel is the fourth (4th) hotel in Northern Uganda
Northern Region, Uganda
Northern Region is a region of Uganda. It is divided into the following districts:...
to have a swimming pool
Swimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest is the Olympic-size swimming pool...
, after (a) Paraa Lodge (b) Chobe Lodge, both in Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is a national park in Uganda. The park lies in north western Uganda, spreading inland from the shore of Lake Albert around the Victoria Nile. It is named for the Murchison Falls waterfall, itself named for a president of the Royal Geographical Society...
and Acholi Inn in Gulu. The Gulu property is the first hotel in the region to contain an elevator
Elevator
An elevator is a type of vertical transport equipment that efficiently moves people or goods between floors of a building, vessel or other structures...
.
Membership to parliamentary committees
Since 2001, Onek has served on several parliamentary committees including:- Committee on Natural Resources - Committee Chair (2001–2002)
- Committee on Legal & Parliamentary Affairs - Member (2001–2003)
- Committee on Science and Technology - Member (2003–06)
- Committee on the Humanitarian Situation in Northern Uganda - Member (2004–2005)
Socio-political leadership
He has held various leadership positions including the following:At Saint Mary's College Kisubi - (1965–1970)
- Actively participated in academic, social activities and sports. He served as Assistant House Prefect in Mugwanya House from 1967 until 1968. He was elected Chairman of the School Council in 1967, serving until 1968. He was re-elected in 1969, serving until 1970. He was a member of the National Union of Students of Uganda (NUSU), from 1969 until 1972. Between 1969 and 1970, he served as the President of the Mathematics & Physics Club. During that same period, he was the Chairman of the St Mary's High School Social Club. From 1969 until 1970, he was the captainCaptain (sports)In team sports, a captain is a title given to a member of the team. The title is frequently honorary, but in some cases the captain may have significant responsibility for strategy and teamwork while the game is in progress on the field...
of the school basketball team. He was also an active member of the high school athletics team, competing in high jumpHigh jumpThe high jump is a track and field athletics event in which competitors must jump over a horizontal bar placed at measured heights without the aid of certain devices in its modern most practiced format; auxiliary weights and mounds have been used for assistance; rules have changed over the years....
, triple jumpTriple jumpThe triple jump is a track and field sport, similar to the long jump, but involving a “hop, bound and jump” routine, whereby the competitor runs down the track and performs a hop, a bound and then a jump into the sand pit.The triple jump has its origins in the Ancient Olympics and has been a...
, long jumpLong jumpThe long jump is a track and field event in which athletes combine speed, strength, and agility in an attempt to leap as far as possible from a take off point...
and javelinJavelin throwThe javelin throw is a track and field athletics throwing event where the object to be thrown is the javelin, a spear approximately 2.5 metres in length. Javelin is an event of both the men's decathlon and the women's heptathlon...
, from 1967 until 1970.
At Makerere University - (1971–1974)
- Served as Secretary to NUSU President, Omwony OjwokOmwony OjwokOmwony Ojwok was a Ugandan politician. He served as director of the Ugandan AIDS Commission , Minister for Northern Rehabilitation and State Minister for Economic Monitoring . He died of heart failure at the age of 60.-References:...
(RIP), from 1971 until 1972. Served as the Captain of Mitchell Hall Basketball Team from 1971 until 1973. He belonged to the Students’ Progressive Political Camp and campaigned for student leaders who subscribed to then progressive ideology.
At Moscow University - (1974–1979)
- Elected President of the Uganda Students Union, serving in that capacity from 1977 until 1979. In February 1979, he organized and led students’ revolt and demonstration to the Libyan Embassy in MoscowMoscowMoscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
, protesting LibyaLibyaLibya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....
's military support to Idi AminIdi AminIdi Amin Dada was a military leader and President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. Amin joined the British colonial regiment, the King's African Rifles in 1946. Eventually he held the rank of Major General in the post-colonial Ugandan Army and became its Commander before seizing power in the military...
.
Professional Organisations
- Member, Board of Directors Management Training and Advisory Center, Uganda - 1982 to 1985
- Member, Board of Directors Reconstruction and Development Corporation, Uganda - 1987 to 1989
- Member, Board of Directors Civil Aviation Authority of UgandaCivil Aviation Authority of UgandaThe Civil Aviation Authority was created by an Act of Parliament in 1994 as a state agency of the Ministry of Transport, Housing and Communication...
- 1991 to 1997 - Executive Board Member, Technical Committee of International Water Supply Association (IWSA) - 1989 to 2000
- Corporate Member, Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE) - 1989 to Present
- Registered (Chartered) Engineer in Uganda - 1989 to Present
Scientific publications
A partial list of publications and papers presented at seminars, workshops and conferences include the following:- “Elastic Beam on Flexible Foundation”, Trud UDN – Moscow - March 1977
- “On the Mechanical Strength of Soil in Dam Structure”, Trud MICI – Moscow - May 1980
- “Analysis of Stressed-strained Conditions and Structural Failure of Railway Embankments”. Work done for Uganda Railways Corporation. - December 1980
- “Exploitation of Lake Levels for Hydropower in Uganda” Paper presented at Energy Workshop and published by the Uganda National Research Council. - July 1981
- “Dimension Analysis in Engineering – A research and modeling tool”. Paper presented to staff and postgraduate students at the Faculty of Technology, Makerere UniversityMakerere UniversityMakerere University , Uganda's largest and second-oldest higher institution of learning, , was first established as a technical school in 1922. In 1963 it became the University of East Africa, offering courses leading to general degrees from the University of London...
. - March 1982. - Co-Authored: “Water Pricing Experiences, An International Perspective”. Editors: Ariel Dinar & Ashok Subramanian. World Bank Technical Paper Number 386. - 1997
- “Water Utility Research: National Water and Sewerage Corporation Uganda”. 23rd WEDC Conference - DurbanDurbanDurban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
, South AfricaSouth AfricaThe Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. - September 1997. - “Public-Private Partnership: National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Uganda”. 24th WEDC Conference - IslamabadIslamabadIslamabad is the capital of Pakistan and the tenth largest city in the country. Located within the Islamabad Capital Territory , the population of the city has grown from 100,000 in 1951 to 1.7 million in 2011...
, PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. - September 1998. - “Poor Design of Kiira Extension at Jinja Dam and Resultant Excessive Discharge of Water for Power Generation, The Main Cause of Dropping Lake Victoria Levels” Paper presented, as the main theme at Abraham Waligo Memorial Lecture organized by Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers. Faculty of Technology, Makerere UniversityMakerere UniversityMakerere University , Uganda's largest and second-oldest higher institution of learning, , was first established as a technical school in 1922. In 1963 it became the University of East Africa, offering courses leading to general degrees from the University of London...
, KampalaKampalaKampala is the largest city and capital of Uganda. The city is divided into five boroughs that oversee local planning: Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division and Lubaga Division. The city is coterminous with Kampala District.-History: of Buganda, had chosen...
. September 2004. - "Challenges and Opportunities to Agricultural Transformation: Option for Increasing and Sustaining Agricultural Growth and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa". Keynote Address, World Agricultural Forum, St. Louis, MissouriMissouriMissouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
, USA. - 07 to 10 May 2007. Partly due to the impact of this keynote address, the next World Agricultural Forum was for the first time held in a location other than St. Louis, Missouri. The 10th World Agricultural Forum (WAF), was held in KampalaKampalaKampala is the largest city and capital of Uganda. The city is divided into five boroughs that oversee local planning: Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division and Lubaga Division. The city is coterminous with Kampala District.-History: of Buganda, had chosen...
, UgandaUgandaUganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
in 2008.
